Jacksonville, FL: Spectacular Climate

Located on the northeast coast of Florida and the mouth of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville is a major seaport. Boasting approximately a million residents, it is the most populous city in the Sunshine State. Known locally as Jax, it is the seat of Duval County and one of the leading commercial, financial and cultural centers in the southeastern United States. It features a spectacular climate with well over 2,800 hours of annual sunshine and a rich cultural and arts scene as well as a wide range of leisure activities. When planning your move to Jacksonville, consider some of the city’s practical aspects, such as housing, wages and overall cost of living.

Housing is priced below the national average. You can choose from a downtown apartment in Southbank featuring modern amenities or a multi-bedroom home in an established community like San Marco. Enjoy the bohemian vibe of Five Points and the canopied sidewalks of the Riverside Avondale neighborhood. The city features a range of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian and postwar bungalows. Each neighborhood has a character, culture and sense of community all its own.

The city has a vibrant economy with positions available in the defense, financial and logistics industries as well as the media and technology sectors. The unemployment rate is on par with the national average. The slightly below national average wages match the cost of living, including health care, food and entertainment. Because Florida does not have a state income tax, you can stretch your budget and afford a number of leisure activities.

Jacksonville boasts more than 80,000 acres of local, state and national parks that reflect the region’s stunning natural beauty. Miles of sun-drenched beaches afford the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of water sports. Hemming Park and Jacksonville Landing host numerous cultural events throughout the year. In addition to performances in the Veterans Memorial Arena, residents enjoy the zoo, botanical garden and a number of highly regarded museums dedicated to art, science and history. Along with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, the city is home to several minor league sports teams.

With an abundance of great neighborhoods to choose from, it can be hard to find the ideal spot to settle down. Our picks of the best places to live in Jacksonville will give you a head start. You can customize the lists by housing prices, education, employment and nearby amenities based on what is important to you. We can help you find the perfect place that meets your needs, lifestyle and budget.